Submitted by Redmond High DECA

One in every 100 adults in America is in prison (according to a Pew Center on the States study). We often as a society celebrate the fact that these people are contained where they are no longer a threat to the community. What we overlook, or rather who, are the children and families of the incarcerated. Statistics show that more than 2 million children get left behind every year as a result of parental incarceration. These children experience not only abandonment, but shame and anger and are at a greater risk to develop mental health issues.

That’s where Matthew House steps in. The Monroe-based nonprofit organization — solely run on donations and volunteer work — helps support the families of the incarcerated. This is not a charity that supports prisoners. They provide food, clothing, shelter and counseling to those in need, and have been doing so for the past 34 years.

In December, Redmond High’s DECA chapter organized Santa photos with staff members. Students wanting to take photos donated gently used books for Matthew House.

Our group of three Redmond High DECA chapter members is currently working on a public relations campaign for Matthew House to compete at the state and international levels of DECA competition. DECA is an international organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools around the globe.

We as a chapter are not only hoping to establish a lasting relationship with Matthew House, but also through our public relations campaign increase knowledge of Matthew House.

For more information, visit www.matthewhousemonroe.org/